Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I do not have a “typical” academic career. After earning my Licentiate degree in 1996, I left academia for roles in research, industry, and politics. I worked at Ericsson and the Institute for Futures Studies, which resulted in the book ”Den breda vägen. Vision – verklighet – vision” (2004), discussing broadband services for homes. I have also engaged with issues of digitization and “smart homes” in Stockholm and worked at government-related agencies focusing on environmental monitoring and analysis. Additionally, I pursued interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of design and urban planning, collaborating with SVID (the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation) and engaging in public dialogues.  

 Since 2010, I have also been active as a local politician (Liberal party) with roles on the regional council in Gotland, Sweden’s largest island. After 22 years away from academia, I was invited back to my alma mater to “finish what I had started” – completing a doctoral dissertation. In May 2024, I defended my monograph on public participation in Swedish planning. Nowadays, I blend academia, industry, and politics in a uniquely dynamic way.  

What are you passionate about?  

I am an inquisitive person driven by a desire to discover solutions. As the daughter of a “super engineer” in electrical engineering, I have always been encouraged to explore and seek knowledge. I am passionate about inspiring curiosity about research outside academia and encouraging academia to engage with the complexities of the real world.  

We work in a field where laws and regulations must be tested against reality, and there are challenges in helping policymakers understand the complexities of the regulatory framework. It is often assumed that “urban planning is simple,” which is far from true. Greater understanding of these complexities can lead to more efficient regulations and planning processes, benefiting society as a whole.  

Another passion of mine is teaching students who may one day work in this field—future stars in the legal aspects of urban planning. I aim to open their eyes to an exciting field and inspire them with the joy and curiosity that drive my own work.  

What are you working on right now? 

At the moment (winter 2024/2025), I am in an intense teaching period. I am responsible for large foundational courses in regulatory systems for urban development, with up to 220 students, as well as advanced courses in Swedish planning law, which have around 100 students.  

In addition, I am co-authoring an article with Dr. Teje Holsen and Dr. Michael Tophøj Sørensen on public participation in planning in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. I am also collaborating with Professor Annina H. Persson on an article about obstacles to planning in Sweden. Both articles will be presented at the PLPR conference in Cardiff.  

I am also working with Professor Jenny Paulsson on an investigation for the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority regarding planning processes related to a landslide in western Sweden in 2023.  

Since defending my dissertation in 2024, I am also exploring potential collaborations and exchanges focusing on public dialogues from legal and procedural perspectives. Additionally, I am part of the team preparing the EALD conference in Stockholm in September 2025.  

What brings you to PLPR?

My first PLPR conference was in Munich in 2024, where I presented parts of my dissertation. What a conference! It was a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where connections were quickly formed, and I felt like “one of the group.” I am happy to share PLPR’s “family spirit” with others.  

The PLPR conference was an excellent platform for building new networks and starting collaboration discussions. For example, I am likely to undertake an Erasmus+ exchange in 2025, thanks to contacts made at the conference. A true win-win-win.  

Anecdote

I divide my time between Stockholm, where I work, and Gotland, where I live. This means traveling by ferry from Nynäshamn (south of Stockholm) to Visby (on Gotland), a 3.5-hour journey. Given my tendency to get seasick, it may not be the ideal choice of residence, but my love for Gotland and our home in Visby makes every hour on the ferry worth it. In 2024, I made around 40 round trips!